How to adjust front wipers on 97 Hoe?!

[raptorforme93]

I dont want to thread jack but how smooth are the wipers on the hoes? Mine work normally but everytime I use them the wipers vibrate horribly on the glass and kind of jump up and down so they suck dick. Is that just a design flaw or is something wrong with mine??

 

[PATR1NYC]

on my 96-it starts out smooth-but after, id say 20mins of use-it would start jumping

I dont want to thread jack but how smooth are the wipers on the hoes? Mine work normally but everytime I use them the wipers vibrate horribly on the glass and kind of jump up and down so they suck dick. Is that just a design flaw or is something wrong with mine??

 

[raptorforme93]

Mine jumps all the time and I hate it!! Sometimes if it is pouring and the wipers are on and not on time delay they will be smooth but thats rare. Is there any way to make them smooth?? If anyone has smooth wipers what blades are you using??

 

[ERIC95TAHOE]

i havnt found a smooth blade but i think the problem comes with wear on the wiper system its self. the little joints and everything that all the parts connect to. does yours have a little slop to them? mine kind of do.

 

[raptorforme93]

Mine have a more than a little slop I would say. I was also wondering if that was a problem but I didnt want to replace everything if it doesnt fix the problem. Maybe Ill look into getting a new motor and replacing some of the parts.

 

[ERIC95TAHOE]

im assuming thats the problem but mines not that bad to replace it yet. mines getting squeeky though and its kind of annoying

 

[oldsalt]

Wiper info

Centering the arms
When you take the wiper arms off you will see a splined hub with a keyway on it. The keyway should be between 9 and 10 o'clock when the wipers are turned off with the switch and at rest. If they are not there could be a couple things going on-
1) the splines inside the hub are stripped and the hub is skipping.You would really hear it when they are running. If this is the case you will need new arms that come off the motor.
2) The arms coming off the motor have slipped. You can adjust them. Pull off the plastic cowling/air intake grate and it will expose the arms inside the vent area. Turn on the wipers then off with the switch to find the rest position. Adjust those arms to put the wipers in the bottom position. The nut is either a 10 or 12 MM. You'll need 2 wrenches.
I doubt that it is the motor or controller because the "park spot" for the wipers is not mechanical like the old days.

Jumping wipers

This is caused by rubber deposits on the windshield from old or cheap wipers. Once a little bit gets on there it just keeps getting worse. When it rains hard the water acts like a lubricant and lets the wiper ride over the rubber on the windshield.

Here is what I do to clean the windshield- Use a rag and some lacquer thinner and clean off the rubber. Then get a razor blade with some soapy water and scrape the glass. Then just to be sure I will use some BonAmi or Bar Keepers Friend with a non scratching scrub sponge.

I have started using Duralast "Flex Blade". They are the best blades I have found.I think they are urethane. Awesome blades and haven't had any problems with skipping.

raptorforme93- If they are sloppy and noisy you may need a new set of arms that come off the motor. I changed mine and it made a world of a difference. Got them from RockAuto.

 

[PATR1NYC]

THANK U SIR!!

Wiper info

Centering the arms
When you take the wiper arms off you will see a splined hub with a keyway on it. The keyway should be between 9 and 10 o'clock when the wipers are turned off with the switch and at rest. If they are not there could be a couple things going on-
1) the splines inside the hub are stripped and the hub is skipping.You would really hear it when they are running. If this is the case you will need new arms that come off the motor.
2) The arms coming off the motor have slipped. You can adjust them. Pull off the plastic cowling/air intake grate and it will expose the arms inside the vent area. Turn on the wipers then off with the switch to find the rest position. Adjust those arms to put the wipers in the bottom position. The nut is either a 10 or 12 MM. You'll need 2 wrenches.
I doubt that it is the motor or controller because the "park spot" for the wipers is not mechanical like the old days.

Jumping wipers

This is caused by rubber deposits on the windshield from old or cheap wipers. Once a little bit gets on there it just keeps getting worse. When it rains hard the water acts like a lubricant and lets the wiper ride over the rubber on the windshield.

Here is what I do to clean the windshield- Use a rag and some lacquer thinner and clean off the rubber. Then get a razor blade with some soapy water and scrape the glass. Then just to be sure I will use some BonAmi or Bar Keepers Friend with a non scratching scrub sponge.

I have started using Duralast "Flex Blade". They are the best blades I have found.I think they are urethane. Awesome blades and haven't had any problems with skipping.

raptorforme93- If they are sloppy and noisy you may need a new set of arms that come off the motor. I changed mine and it made a world of a difference. Got them from RockAuto.

 

[raptorforme93]

Oldsalt- Is that the wiper linkage?? I will probably get all new parts for the wipers if its all gone to shit. I got my windshield replaced when I first got the truck and it still skipped like crazy with the new windshield. I will also try those wiper blades! Thank you

---------- Post added at 12:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------

And thank you for the cleaning tips!!

 

[oldsalt]

Linkage!! Right. I My old brain couldn't think of the right word.

Replacing the linkage is an easy job. Should be done in about 40 min.

I had the same thing happen to me with a new windshield. I think they put something on the glass during manufacturing that makes the blades drag a bit. In fact, under certain conditions I can still see a round suction cup mark on the glass.

DON'T use anything other than BonAmi or Bar Keepers Friend. Other powdered cleansers will scratch.

I put 50/50 water and windex in the washer tank and it works great. Now if I can only find a way to properly aim the stupid washer nozzles.